Cash-strapped ICL allows New Zealand players to go

The Indian Cricket League (ICL) has reportedly told its New Zealand recruits, including Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey, that they could be released from their contracts if they put in a request this week.

The move will allow them to play for the national team.

"The players contracted to the financially strapped ICL recently received an email from tournament organisers, informing them of the option," The Sunday News reports.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief Justin Vaughan said the board would be happy to welcome back the cricketers into the national side if they decide to end ties with the ICL.

"We wouldn't stand in the way of any players returning to the Black Caps if they aren't tied to the ICL," Vaughan said.

"We've made it pretty clear from the start that while we can't select players for New Zealand who are contracted to the ICL, if they end their ties with the league they would be immediately reconsidered for the national side," Vaughan added.

It is also understood that ICL's business head Himanshu Modi will fly to Australia to meet ICL executive board member Tony Greig to discuss the proposal.

Former Black Caps in the ICL include Bond, Tuffey, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Andre Adams and Lou Vincent. But only the two genuine quicks would interest the New Zealand selectors.

Bond, still New Zealand's best bowler, has talked down any chance of a return to the national team. In contrast, it is believed Tuffey is desperate to play for the Black Caps again.

Former Kiwi cricketer Simon Doull led calls for Tuffey to attempt an international comeback.

"Daryl Tuffey is certainly good enough to play Test cricket for New Zealand again," Doull said.

"If you look at the reasons he was left out of the side a few years back, it was because of a lack of confidence. To me now, he's a guy who is training and playing harder and is more mentally ready to play international cricket."